Networking- Finding The Elusive Prepper

Networking – Finding the Elusive Prepper- Originally appeared here at the Tin Hat Ranch

Without a doubt, among the top three most common questions I’m asked is some variation of how do I find preppers in my area?  With several million people in the United States alone who self-identify as preppers, most of us likely live or work within a stone’s throw of one or more of them.  But, due to the insistence on the almighty OPSEC (Operations Security), we’ve been told over and over to not reveal our preparedness mindset to anyone.  This makes things rather difficult when you want more than anything to network with folks in your area.  Perhaps you’re looking to set up a group of like-minded individuals who can assist one another should things take a turn for the worst.  Maybe you’re just hoping to find someone with whom you can bounce ideas around or just talk with, to assure yourself you’re not the only person who thinks this way.

In communicating with hundreds of preppers from all across the country over the last several years, I’ve found that there are two basic reasons why preppers have difficulty finding others of like mind in their area – their approach and where they’re looking.

  The Approach

Most of us are rather passionate about prepping.  It isn’t just a hobby but a lifestyle.  Because of this, we sometimes overwhelm others when we talk about disaster readiness, often without even realizing just how overbearing we’re being.  Think about it like this – let’s say your spouse is really into football.  I mean, every Sunday they get up early to watch the pre-pre-game shows, they wear their lucky jersey, and camp out in the recliner from sun up to bedtime, watching nothing but football.  During the week, they are constantly scanning the sports pages to check for injuries, statistics, the whole ball of wax.  They somehow work football into even the most casual of conversations.  It has gotten to the point where you can literally feel your eyes glaze over within seconds any time they mention football.

Yeah, that’s how many of you sound when it comes to prepping.

If you find yourself going from zero-to-60 when the topic of prepping comes up or, even worse, you constantly look for ways to work some aspect of disaster planning into any conversation, as kids today like to say, “Slow your roll.”  Yes, prepping is a lifestyle but it need not encompass every waking moment of your life.  Take the time to get to know the people around you before you inundate them with your knowledge of pressure canning, first aid, and 87 different ways you can use a ballpoint pen for self-defense.

Bear in mind that, due to the media, there are obviously some fairly wild stereotypes that are associated with the word prepper.  When you bring up various conspiracy theories about the government, the economy, or how the American Dental Association is trying to enslave us all through the use of mint flavoring in toothpaste, you’re likely not going to be making any new friends in the immediate future.  Instead, all you’re doing is encouraging the stereotypes of preppers all needing tin foil beanies.

  Where to look

Remember back when you were single and looking for a mate?  What did Momma tell you?  You aren’t likely gonna find a good woman (or man) in a bar.  That’s not a great place to find a life mate, that’s just where to look for Mr. or Mrs. Right Now.  The same logic holds true when we’re talking about finding like-minded folks in your area.  Think about the types activities and interests that would probably draw preppers.

Community Classes

In many towns and villages, the park and recreation department offers a wide range of free or low cost classes throughout the year.  In my area, I’ve seen a very diverse line up of topics, everything from modern dance to scrapbooking.  Frequently, there are at least one or two classes that would be of great interest to preppers, such as home canning or raising backyard chickens.  Your local library may also be a source for classes like these.  Odds are pretty good that if you attend a class on food preservation or raising goats, you aren’t going to be the only prepper in the crowd.

Farm Markets

Many preppers appreciate the values found shopping at local farm markets.  Locally grown produce might cost a bit more than what you’ll find in the grocery store but it is likely to be far healthier, as well as mighty tasty.  Food production and preservation are among the cornerstones of the self-reliant lifestyle.  That being the case, those who regularly engage in such activities are often also interested in other aspects of prepping.  By shopping at farm markets, you not only support local farmers but, assuming they are raising non-GMO produce, you can end up augmenting your seed storage for later use.

Online

You might consider setting up a prepper meeting yourself.  If you build it, they will come, as the saying goes.  Many libraries offer small meeting rooms for free or for very minimal cost.  Pick an evening a few weeks from now and reserve the room for a couple of hours.  Then, put out some feelers online.  Post something on your local Craigslist and mention the meeting a few times on your social media accounts.  Nothing too in depth or ominous, just something like:

Are you interested in becoming more self-reliant?  Do you want to learn how to become better prepared for emergencies large and small?  So do we!  We’re getting together a group of folks who want to learn skills such as first aid, gardening, camping, and raising chickens and such.  If this might be of interest to you, please stop by the Smalltown Public Library, Tuesday, January 13, at 7PM.  We’ll be in the downstairs public meeting room.  See you there!

Another online resource is Meetup.com.  There are prepper groups from all over the country listed there.  Do some poking around and you can probably find one that meets not too far from you.  If you strike out, you could always start your own group.   Look, there are millions of people in the United States who are interested in disaster readiness, to one degree or another.  Many of them are looking for like-minded folks in their area with whom they can network.  If you’re willing to take a couple of baby steps in the right direction, odds are you’ll find at least a few preppers in your own area.